Young Shoun sat in his cell, staring blankly at his status window.
[«Name: Shoun Foster»
«Age: 15 years»
«Rank: Seeker»
«Title:...»
«Ascension Points: 1/100»
«Abilities»
«Electric Flow: Your very essence has been touched by electricity since birth, to the point where you can control and use it to your advantage»
«Basic Electric Core: It's a part of your being, both there and not there, in your physical and spiritual body. It's where all your electricity is stored and generated, and it also allows the user to absorb electricity from other sources»]
A few days had passed since his birthday, though there was nothing happy about it. It was just like any other day in his monotonous life. Enduring immense pain for hours until Rowe or someone else dragged him out.
Since he arrived, he had lost track of the days. He barely received any information except for singular events like rifts opening near the facility or official events. Still, his torture never stopped for more than a few days at a time.
At this moment, he was contemplating his status window for one simple reason: to remind himself of his existence.
—(Shoun Foster... that's my name... Does it even mean anything anymore?)—He watched as the memories of his earliest childhood faded. The faces of his family and old friends blurred in his memory. The time when he wasn't forced to power machines or subjected to other experiments felt distant—(What do I like? What are my hobbies?)—Those questions and hundreds more raced through his mind in seconds—(I'm tired...)—For a moment, he thought about taking his own life, but he immediately felt repulsed, and a burning anger surged within him—"And let their deaths be in vain!?"—In a fit of rage, he grabbed his water glass and threw it against the wall. It shattered into pieces, scattering glass across the floor as the water cascaded down. Slowly, his anger subsided, and he fell back into apathy. As he stared at the mess, his thoughts returned.
—(And all for what? For these damn powers? They're not even useful for killing that bastard Rowe)—Looking at his palms, Shoun quickly dismissed the blame he directed at his abilities—(No, I'm not to blame for all this. They are. They have the power, and that's why they forced me to go through all this)—He directed all his rage and anger toward the government, which allowed scum like Rowe and the researchers to remain in their ranks. If he was forced to endure all this, who was to say there weren't others like him?—(I don't know how much longer I can keep this up)—Despite the years, he still fought Rowe every time he came for him. If it was someone else, he did the same. He still remembered the words of that song he heard years ago. He had to rebel. It was the only way to keep existing, to not fade into oblivion—(I have to rebel even harder. Escaping is difficult with that bastard lurking around. Maybe if I cause enough of a stir, I'll attract the right attention... but what can I do?).
The boy thought for a while until an idea came to him to draw attention from the outside. Just in time, as someone opened the door to his cell. To his surprise, it wasn't Rowe, though he quickly calmed himself.
—(Actually, this is good. I couldn't execute this plan if that bastard Rowe was around. I thought I'd have to wait a few days until he didn't come for me)—As he stood up, he inspected the person who had come to get him. It was an Apprentice wearing the government uniform, though it wasn't someone he had seen before—(Perfect).
Without further delay, he approached the Apprentice, who tried to grab him to put on handcuffs, but Shoun quickly dodged.
—Hey, I don't want to wear that crap!
—They told me you're trouble! You have to wear the cuffs to be escorted!
—Calm down and lower your tone. I just turned 15. Would you mind giving me a break from that crap?—He approached again, and this time the Apprentice hesitated but quickly put the cuffs away. Then he stood behind the boy and gripped his shoulder with one hand.
—Don't try anything funny... walk—With that, the two walked through the facility without incident—(He doesn't seem as troublesome as they made him out to be)—Such a rookie mistake wouldn't be overlooked by Shoun. When they reached the machine room, the Apprentice released the boy—Don't move.
After those words, he stepped away to gather the necessary equipment to get things running. Everyone else in the room was used to seeing the boy there, so no one paid him any attention, let alone noticed that he was free and uncuffed. Without a word, he began gathering electricity in his hand. By the time the Apprentice noticed his actions, it was too late.
—You know, there's a difference between using my electricity to power your machines and using it to shoot—Without another word, a powerful bolt of electricity shot out, hitting the machine and destroying it in the process. The explosion sent those closest to it, including Shoun, flying into the nearest wall.
Meanwhile, outside the facility, a luxurious car came to a stop. Inspector Rowe, curiously, stepped out first and then opened a second door, from which a man in his early 30s emerged. He had neatly trimmed black hair, and despite his tall stature and imposing muscles, his face wore a kind expression. Like the Apprentice, he wore a government uniform, though his was far more luxurious, adorned with golden details on the chest.
—Thank you, Inspector.
—Don't mention it, Mr. Valen. It's an honor to have you at our facility—Rowe said with a much friendlier expression than the one he showed Shoun.
—I know you wanted me to see it in person, but could you tell me more about the creation of my artifact?
—Of course, sir!—This man, who was treated with such respect, was none other than Alex Valen, better known to the masses as "The Last Bastion." A renowned Codex bearer with over 10 years of experience, he was currently Rank 4 but had already met all the requirements to ascend to Rank 5. All that was left was to complete his trial, and the government would have another powerhouse. For this reason, he had been given a super-rare Rank 5 material. The Last Bastion had decided to entrust it to a group of researchers to turn it into a custom artifact tailored to his needs, and that group was none other than the one under Rowe's command.
—You see, the progress is good. We've managed to synthesize part of the artifact according to your specifications, but we're now at a point where we need your help to complete the process—Before Alex could respond, an explosion was heard from inside the facility. Without a word, both men sprang into action and rushed inside. The hallways filled with smoke from the explosion, causing many workers to hurriedly evacuate, though none appeared visibly injured.
Tracing the source of the smoke, they eventually reached the room where the machine, now destroyed, was located.
—What?—Rowe stared in shock at the ruined machine. As the smoke began to clear, it revealed Shoun lying on the floor, with the Apprentice who had escorted him on top, visibly striking the boy with hard slaps.
—How could you do this!? You could've killed us all, you brat!—The Apprentice was suddenly stopped by a strong, muscular hand, which effortlessly pulled him off Shoun and sent him flying into the wall. The boy looked up and met Alex's gaze. Using Inspect, Shoun realized he couldn't identify the rank of his savior, concluding that he was someone above Rank 3.
—What happened here?—The Last Bastion asked calmly as he helped the battered Shoun to his feet—Is it true that you caused all this?
—I-
—It's obvious it was you! You're always causing trouble!—Rowe shouted as he helped the Apprentice up. After supporting him, he wanted to rush over and hit Shoun, but The Last Bastion's stern gaze froze him in place.
—I want to hear his story—Alex said calmly, urging Shoun to speak. From his perspective, he had only found an adult harming a child without justification.
—I... I did this, but it's because I want to leave. They're keeping me captive.
—...Is that true?—This time, he asked Rowe, who felt the color drain from his face.
—...He's one of the children under the government's care. That's why he can't leave-
—I'm 15 now! I'm a Codex bearer. I have the authority of an adult, yet you refuse to let me go—Shoun interjected. This reignited Rowe's anger, but he held back, still under The Last Bastion's watchful gaze.
—...—Seeing this verbal confrontation, Alex simply observed, noting the numerous wounds on Shoun's body, many of which were clearly from before this day. Finally, he made a decision—I don't have enough information, which is why I've decided to take the boy with me.
—B-but sir, he's the one who powers the portals. You can't-
—What can't I do?—At this question, Rowe fell silent again—Remember your place, Rowe. Here, I'm your boss.
Without further words, Alex escorted Shoun to his car. The boy cooperated, as despite not fully trusting The Last Bastion, he finally saw a glimmer of hope in the distance.
Alex took him to his car, and they both got in without a word. As the driver started the car, the adult urged Shoun to speak.
—Tell me more about yourself and your situation.
—...Where do I start... I guess it all began five years ago. I was 10, and my family was killed by a remnant...—Shoun held nothing back and recounted what he had endured over the past few years. Without realizing it, he began to cry at some point. Alex simply watched with concern.
—...You've been through a lot... I believe you. So don't worry, all of that ends now. From this moment on, you're free—Without another word, Shoun broke down in tears again. He was taken to The Last Bastion's home, a large, luxurious mansion. Despite being nervous about being locked up again, everything went smoothly. He was given new clothes and his wounds were treated. Unlike the researchers, Alex's servants were very kind to him, and during his stay, he was treated with a warmth he had almost forgotten.
Meanwhile, The Last Bastion worked to sort out Shoun's legal situation, even clashing with his government peers. Everything Shoun had said was true, which was why the higher-ups didn't want to let him go. He was too valuable. Still, Alex couldn't stand by. Helping those in need was part of his nature. He would never leave anyone behind. In the end, thanks to his new authority as a pseudo-Rank 5, he was able to secure Shoun's freedom.
Several weeks later, Alex himself took Shoun back to his old home, now restored thanks to his efforts.
—Here's the number for a psychologist. If you're feeling unwell, you can call him. He's trustworthy. You also have my number if you need me. Don't hesitate to call—Alex explained as he handed the boy a cell phone—Also, don't forget that classes start in two weeks... Are you sure you're ready to jump back into things so suddenly? The tutor I hired for you would be happy to continue teaching you.
—It's fine, sir. I think you've already done enough for me by getting me out of that horrible place... I can handle the rest—Shoun thanked him with a small bow, and The Last Bastion chuckled at the gesture.
—Hehe, alright. But seriously, if you need me, don't hesitate to call. This month's bills are paid, and your fridge is stocked, though you also have 5,000 Crests in your bank account. Every month, you'll receive more thanks to your parents' life insurance and as compensation for all your work over the years.
—Of course. Thank you again for your help—The two said their goodbyes, and as Shoun watched Alex's luxurious car drive away, he felt the new keys to his house in his hand. Hesitating for a moment, he entered his home, left his shoes at the entrance, and looked around his old house. Despite the years, everything was almost the same, even cleaner. He walked through every room, though he didn't enter his family's bedrooms. At his request, he knew no one had cleaned them. He didn't want anyone going in there... and he didn't want to go in either. So, he went to his own room—...It's just as I remembered... though it's clear someone else tidied this place.
The boy savored his newfound freedom from his bed. When he grew bored, he decided to start experiencing some of the things he had missed over the years. He went out and explored various popular spots in New Caven.
—Why is the public transportation system so complicated?—the boy grumbled as he walked down a commercial street. Despite the fun afternoon he'd had, he still felt empty—(I really miss them... How can I live my old life again without them here?)—Due to the extreme stress of the past few years, he had almost completely ignored the deaths of his family. Now that he was starting to recover, the grief and loss hit him again—(...No, I have to start my new life now, the one I have thanks to them... Maybe I could buy something new to symbolize that, but what?).
As he continued walking, he finally came across a clothing store. In the display window, he spotted something familiar: a denim jacket with The Red Phoenix logo and other decorations. Excited, the boy entered the store.
—Good afternoon, sir. Are you looking for something specific?—the saleswoman asked kindly, though deep down, she didn't believe someone his age could afford such expensive items.
—Yes, I'd like this jacket—he said, pointing to the denim jacket with The Red Phoenix logo.
—Oh, yes. It's part of our collaboration with the band. It's an exclusive collection. We only have 30 units left, each priced at 100 Crests.
—100 Crests?... Well, that's fine. I'll take all of them.
—Huh?... What did you say, sir?
—I said I'll buy all of them—he repeated, pulling out his card.
—Huh!?